Suzanne Peterson, Darryl D’Lima, Anjana Nityanandam, Victoria Bendersky Receive Honors in CIRM ‘Elevator Pitch’ ChallengeFour TSRI researchers were recognized in the recent California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Elevator Pitch Challenge for developing concise, informative and attention-grabbing descriptions of their CIRM-funded research to share with critical policy and support groups, the media and the general public. CIRM—a state agency funding stem-cell research at California institutions—staged the challenge to encourage scientists to develop a 30-second, compelling yet simple narrative illustrating the significance and relevance of their research. “It’s essential that stem cell scientists learn how to talk clearly and engagingly about their work. Without public support this kind of research is almost impossible to do,” said Alan Trounson, president of the stem cell agency. “While you can’t explain a lot in 30 seconds, if you are engaging and passionate enough about what you do, you can get someone’s attention and make them interested enough to want to know more.” Suzanne Peterson, staff scientist in the Loring lab, won second place in the Non-Lead Scientist category describing her work in Parkinson’s disease research. “It is pretty hard to summarize scientific projects in lay terms in 30 seconds, but I am glad that CIRM is trying to get scientists to do it,” said Peterson.